Have you ever run your fingers across a beautifully crafted leather piece and wondered — could I make that? The answer is yes, and this is your moment to find out.
In this hands-on Neighbourhood Workshop, expert leatherworker Ruth Pullan will guide you through the ancient and deeply satisfying craft of hand stitched leatherwork. No experience? No problem. This workshop is designed with complete beginners in mind, and everything you need is provided — just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in.
Over the course of the day you'll discover the meditative pleasure of working with this most beautiful of materials. You'll learn how to dye and finish leather to a professional standard, master the art of bevelling edges to give your work that polished, expert look, and get to grips with the timeless technique of Traditional Saddle Stitch — the gold standard of leatherwork that has stood the test of centuries.
And the best part? You'll leave with not one, but two things you've made entirely with your own hands. A stylish coin purse crafted in the morning, and a classic leather belt completed in the afternoon — both finished to a standard that will genuinely surprise you.
Useful, beautiful, and completely handmade by you. What's not to love?
Our home for the day will be the wonderful Holbrook Manor, a graceful Georgian house set in the peaceful Somerset countryside near Wincanton. Effortlessly combining heritage, comfort, and tranquillity, you’ll immediately feel at home. With a 2-course lunch included and refreshments at breaktimes prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, we’ve certainly got your appetite for both delicious food and learning covered!
For a full course description, including details on the tutor, venue, accommodation (where applicable) and more, visit our full listings page by clicking here.
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Ruth Pullan Textiles and Leatherwork was launched in 2012 following a leatherwork course at the Cumbria School of Saddlery. For Ruth, working with leather is a slow, meditative process — quietly stitching in her workshop, free from the hum of machines. A self-confessed frustrated consumer with little interest in fleeting trends, Ruth hopes to pass on her passion for individual style, simplicity and quality through her teaching.
Click here to find out more about Ruth and his other available courses
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Nestled in the Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a charming Georgian house offering comfort, calm, and character — ideal for residential courses and retreats. With its elegant rooms and home-cooked meals, it’s the perfect place to learn, relax, and recharge.
The venue has plenty of free parking and the course rooms are all accessible.
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All materials are included, so maybe just a pen & paper if you wish to take notes, and an open mind!
